Football | World Cup 2014
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Interim Republic of Ireland manager Noel King has rejected a request to release captain Robbie Keane from the squad after Friday's 2014 World Cup qualifier in Germany.
The 33-year-old much-travelled striker is now playing for the LA Galaxy in the United States' Major League Soccer.
Galaxy boss Bruce Arena asked if Keane, who missed training on Wednesday with an an ankle injury, could be withdrawn from the squad that will play Kazakhstan in Dublin on Tuesday.
But a Football Association of Ireland statement issued Wednesday said: "The Football Association of Ireland today confirmed that Noel King has responded this afternoon to the manager of LA Galaxy Bruce Arena to inform him that he has decided not to release Robbie Keane and trusts that he understands the position, having been an international manager himself.
"Bruce Arena had requested that the release of Robbie Keane be considered after the Germany match and before the international match against Kazakhstan in Dublin on October 15."
The Republic still have a mathematical chance of making it through to a play-off for next year's World Cup finals in Brazil after defeats by Sweden and Austria last month.
Keane, the Republic's record goalscorer with 60, will take his tally to 131 caps if he plays in both upcoming qualifying matches.
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